The Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti), built with money bequeathed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier in 1723-1725 and designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, scale the steep incline between the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom and the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top. For many visitors to Rome it is the obvious place to meet friends before moving on to a bar or restaurant, and in summer it can get unbelievably busy, literally teaming with young backpackers trooping between the nearby Trevi Fountain and the Steps.Having said that, the monument itself is an interesting and beautiful attraction in its own right, is the widest staircase in Europe, and definitely the most famous in the world. The Spanish Steps, compared to the numerous ancient buildings in Rome, are a relatively recent addition, however, they have become as famous as any other, predominantly due to their romantic connotations, fuelled over the centuries by countless poets, artists, film stars and songwriters. During the last century, the Steps have featured in Hollywood blockbusters such as the 1953 classic Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, and more recently in The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon.
Unfortunately, regulations from the City of Rome have prohibited picnicking on the Spanish Steps, and the task of thwarting young travellers’ attempts to drink warm Frascati from plastic cups while hurriedly munching prosciutto on ciabatta, falls on the officious Carabinieri who parade the square day and night. Despite this, the beautiful Piazza di Spagna with its Bernini Barcaccia Fountain and the phenomenal 16th century church at the top continue to draw visitors from all over the world to this most typically Roman of spots, despite the Iberian name.Getting there couldn’t be easier, it has its own Metro station called Spagna on Line A, or you can get a bus to the Piazza del Popolo, a short walk away.
